This Week in the Mercury
Friday, May 7, 2010
Mercury Taking The Next Step
Posted by Matt Davis on Fri, May 7, 2010 at 12:24 PM
I'm taking the next step in my career after four fantastic years with the Mercury. I'm sorry to say that I'm moving on.
This is the best newspaper in Oregon, and I've loved working here. Steve Humphrey has stood up for me when nobody else would, and he's given me room to develop my strengths and interests as a journalist. There really aren't enough editors out there like him, and I'll always be indebted. To publisher Rob Crocker, too, I give my thanks. He believed in my talent and I appreciate it.
So why would anybody quit a job in the newspaper industry in 2010?
My life, so far, has been characterized by taking fairly large calculated risks which have paid enormous dividends, and I don't see why I should stop doing that now. I'm moving to New Orleans because I love the place, period.
I've had very promising conversations with a handful of editors down there, and over the coming months you can expect to see me writing about city politics, criminal justice, and business issues on a freelance basis in the Crescent City. And I'll keep my personal blog going, of course.
News Reporter Sarah Mirk insists that I include a list of all the reasons why it'd be mad to move to Louisiana right now, but I'll save those for another time. Smirk has been a fantastic writer to work with over the last year and a half and I wish her the best of luck in the Mercury news room here without me. She's going to kick the shit out of it, believe me.
I'll be here for two more weeks. And you know that saying: Dance like nobody's watching, love like you've never been hurt? Well, I've always tried my best to live by a motto of my own: Write...like you're about to leave town.
1
Bon voyage, Matt! To say you will be missed is the understatement of the year. Thanks for all the great work you've done in building the Mercury news team, and keeping Portland's politicos honest (or mostly honest anyway). I wish you nothing but happiness and success!
yer always pal,
Steve
yer always pal,
Steve
4
In keeping with Blogtown tradition, I should say something mean and snarky here. Instead, I'll just say the truth: Sorry to see you go. Best of luck. Or, as you people say, "Cherrio, old chap!"
8
Say it ain't so! What a shame to see you go, Matt. You've been pretty damn close to the top journalist in Portland over the past couple years. Now I've really got to visit New Orleans sometime.
9
The Big Easy will see through your bullshit and hack "journalism" faster than the sheeple of Portland did. Good Riddance !!! The Mercury will certainly improve now...
12
Glad to hear you're excited about new opportunities, but we'll certainly be sorry to see you go.
What now? Scott Moore comes back?
What now? Scott Moore comes back?
13
Sounds like McGarrett is applying for the open position, right?
Good luck, Matt. I've disagreed with some of your stances in the past, and I've lobbed some bombs from the comfy bunker of my anonymity, but there's never been any doubt about your dedication, hard work, and tenacity.
Also, you have to go to Adolfo's on Frenchman Street once a week, for all of us who cannot.
Good luck, Matt. I've disagreed with some of your stances in the past, and I've lobbed some bombs from the comfy bunker of my anonymity, but there's never been any doubt about your dedication, hard work, and tenacity.
Also, you have to go to Adolfo's on Frenchman Street once a week, for all of us who cannot.
17
Thanks, Matt. You're one of the reasons I read the Merc. I only hope they can hire someone half as dedicated as you.
19
The Merc news staff is the best it's ever been. You've been a huge part of that. Best to you, sir.
I still think Brits are repressed and creepy, though.
I still think Brits are repressed and creepy, though.
20
Matt, this is hugely exciting for you and too bad for Portland, which needs a lot more people willing to piss everyone off. We don't really get along, but I'm sure you'll continue to do great work and great deeds.
Well done, man.
Well done, man.
22
Bon voyage, sir, and good luck!
But really - write like you're about to leave town! I am sure you have withheld lots of juicy gossip over the years. Spill it!
But really - write like you're about to leave town! I am sure you have withheld lots of juicy gossip over the years. Spill it!
23
Matt,
I have it on good authority that some rich cats will be making a run at bringing in a MLS team to New Orleans, and the NO City Council will be tasked with deciding wether or not to divert funds from potholes and underfunded schools so they can build a new soccer stadium! Fight the good fight Matt! Better you there than here!
I have it on good authority that some rich cats will be making a run at bringing in a MLS team to New Orleans, and the NO City Council will be tasked with deciding wether or not to divert funds from potholes and underfunded schools so they can build a new soccer stadium! Fight the good fight Matt! Better you there than here!
24
Well at least your journalism is more legitimate than your people's "cuisine". You should be a good fit in the land of chain pubs and breasts.
Bon Voyage, you smarmy little bummer.
Bon Voyage, you smarmy little bummer.
25
But you have so much unfinished business with the cops/politicians!
And what about your James Chasse book?
You can't leave now! :(
And what about your James Chasse book?
You can't leave now! :(
26
Wow! Can't believe you're taking off so soon. :(
Best of luck to you, Matt. Quite sorry to see you go, but greener pastures and all that.
And of course, see you tomorrow morning for coffee.
Enjoy the Big Easy!
Best of luck to you, Matt. Quite sorry to see you go, but greener pastures and all that.
And of course, see you tomorrow morning for coffee.
Enjoy the Big Easy!
29
The bad news: now I have one fewer reason (two, if Sue's leaving with you) to brave Portland. The good: I was already planning a trip to Nola after Christmas, so that should be a blast. If you're coming through Dallas on the way, stop by, and we'll take you out to dinner.
32
Matt, good luck and super cool choice!
You shant regret it, but we will miss you in Portland. Best of luck bloke!
You shant regret it, but we will miss you in Portland. Best of luck bloke!
34
Sad news! I'll miss sitting one desk away, hearing how many times and ways you can say "fuck" in one sentence. It's both magical and poetic, Matt Davis.
Best of luck, naturally. New Orleans needs some deft voices right now, so they'll be fortunate to have you. Oh, and don't get knifed, re: Sock Person.
Best of luck, naturally. New Orleans needs some deft voices right now, so they'll be fortunate to have you. Oh, and don't get knifed, re: Sock Person.
37
You will be missed. Portland needs more reporters like you. Our loss is the South's gain. All the best!
40
I've loved the Merc ever since the first issue was delivered in Portland, but the news team has never been as good as the last few years. You'll be missed. I think you'll keep growing and doing cooler and cooler things in a bigger city. Best of luck!
41
hopefully you can find a nice condo like the one you had here, nothing like living posh and trying to relate to the working class. Thank god for cable TV so your wife won't miss any of the Duck games in that new $200 million publicly funded arena.
43
It's a smart move that will definitely pay off, but you will be missed.
On doit te donner un gris-gris!
On doit te donner un gris-gris!
44
I'll miss your fake-KGW newscasts that you'd do whenever it snowed half an inch (fake-KATU? can't remember).
Godspeed.
Godspeed.
45
Sorry to see you go, Matt. I wish we'd had more meetings together. I always appreciated your efforts to drag the truth out of people and shine the light on injustice. I'm sure the people of New Orleans will benefit from your skills.
47
Who will I use all my half assed English slang on now???
Ya fookin tosser!
Best of luck sir.
You took every slam with aplomb and handed it back with no regrets.
I hope Grampy doesn't hire some thin skinned softy in your place.
Smirk time to (wo)MAN UP!
Ya fookin tosser!
Best of luck sir.
You took every slam with aplomb and handed it back with no regrets.
I hope Grampy doesn't hire some thin skinned softy in your place.
Smirk time to (wo)MAN UP!
49
Can't wait for Treme season five, where some annoying character actor portrays a muckraking English alt-weekly reporter who's just moved there from the Northwest and promptly begins biting corpses on the ass.
53
Don't think you are getting out of that pepper spraying. There will be REAL tears at your going away party...
56
You leave big shoes to fill. Which is unwise because you will probably need those big shoes for Louisiana's muddy season.
Good luck, Matt!
Good luck, Matt!
58
Ugh! Very sorry to see you go. Thanks for all your hard work, and best wishes in your future endeavors.
60
You're very good at your job, Matt, and I've enjoyed following your reporting.
Best of luck to you.
Best of luck to you.
61
Matt - very good luck - and I am very sorry to see you go. You made a big fat positive difference here.
63
Try to get a cameo in Treme while you're down there. The best journalist in time, besides John Canzano, of course. PDX's loss, NOLA's gain.
64
Man, that sucks. Understandably though - I would move to NOLA as well, if I could find work. Amazing city...with no lack of lumpy rugs to look under.
Best of luck! Looking forward to following your work in The Big Easy!
Best of luck! Looking forward to following your work in The Big Easy!
65
Matty,
you will be missed. I have enjoyed working with you and around you for the last couple of years. I hope that the merc can find someone that can stick it to the man even half as well as you have the last few years my friend.
you will be sorely missed.
Patrick
you will be missed. I have enjoyed working with you and around you for the last couple of years. I hope that the merc can find someone that can stick it to the man even half as well as you have the last few years my friend.
you will be sorely missed.
Patrick
67
Now you got to get a white suite and a Panama hat. See you at Cafe Du Monde. You have been good for our city and you will do the same wherever you go.
68
We ALL know the truth Matt! You finally got fired! Hip Hip Horay! Humpy finally got smart!
I give you 3 months in the Big Easy and than you'll be back in Portland working for Scam Adams.
Can't say I'll miss you at all. You are a terrible writer, are always on the wrong side of EVERY issue, and you are really biased.
Be careful what you write about in N.O...people won't put up with your crap down there like here! hahahaha
I give you 3 months in the Big Easy and than you'll be back in Portland working for Scam Adams.
Can't say I'll miss you at all. You are a terrible writer, are always on the wrong side of EVERY issue, and you are really biased.
Be careful what you write about in N.O...people won't put up with your crap down there like here! hahahaha
71
NOLA, unlike Portland, has measurable violent crime statistics and an ocean of gleefully violent, happily bigoted folks who make no bones about their hatred of other peeps who happen to be descended from European stock. In fact, the crime stats there go way beyond "measurable" to "dangerous on a level with cities in places like Russia and Africa."
Many years ago, I had a friend who was living in the lower 9th Ward. Sometimes she would talk about the incident that drove her out of the Big Easy for good...one night a whole crew of adolescent gangbangers...the for-real kind, who are more or less professionally trained to be total, remorseless sociopaths and serial killers from a very young age...decided to pull a train on an 11 or 12 year old girl.
This gang rape occurred on the hood of my friend's Honda. She was stupid enough to call the wonderful, infamously corrupt New Orleans Police. When they finally arrived a few hours after the gangbang was over, they took a few notes, and left, bored. Another night, another horrifying display of what goes on in places like the Lower 9th as often as the sun rising in the East...they couldn't have cared less. Problem was, the baby gangsters also noticed the arrival of the copcars after the night's fun had wound down.
They promptly shot up my friend's house with the unmitigated ferocity for which their people are legendary round the globe, that very night. She wisely moved right the hell out of that place the very next day.
I could fill your comments section with similar anecdotes from a couple dozen of my friends who also foolishly attempted to live in the slums of New Orleans. Now, not everyone scares so easily. Some people near and dear to me clung to that place for ages...it is after all very romantic, beautiful and extremely important in the annals of American History...and there was even a hint of glee in their voices as they related one horrific tale after the next of daily life in that sewer.
One guy, a big strapping lad stupidly and needlessly in the ground several years now from a junk OD, would talk about how he eventually learned to ride straight up to his front door on his bike, with a loaded revolver in one hand and his keys in the other. Get the door open, yank the bike inside, and slam the door before he had to defend himself with that piece against a dozen vicious young men filled to the brim with racial hatred for non-Blacks. Every evening, for months and years.
Not everyone I've known who has lived there has been so lucky. And, post-Katrina, those old networks of murderous sociopaths have gradually returned to town and set up shop once again. I heard one story about how some folks were walking along Rampart or something not too long ago, and suddenly this dude popped out of the shadows with a knife, and grabbed one of the girls, holding it to her throat. Apparently, someone hauled out a .45 and promptly blew the head right off of that hunk of human garbage, then and there, and they just left that corner, the girl's throat intact. No cops, and no need for cops either. What, like the New Orleans po-po are gonna care about some inconsequential thing like that ? That place averages about a murder a day during a quiet year. One less subhuman thug robbing the citizenry. Where 'yat, right ?
Anyone want to wager on how many thorough New Orleans beat-downs it takes before Little Lord Davis starts to re-evaluate his opinions on both the right of law-abiding American citizens to armed self-defense, and the state of race relations in this country ?
Three ? Five ? Ten ?
More...
Many years ago, I had a friend who was living in the lower 9th Ward. Sometimes she would talk about the incident that drove her out of the Big Easy for good...one night a whole crew of adolescent gangbangers...the for-real kind, who are more or less professionally trained to be total, remorseless sociopaths and serial killers from a very young age...decided to pull a train on an 11 or 12 year old girl.
This gang rape occurred on the hood of my friend's Honda. She was stupid enough to call the wonderful, infamously corrupt New Orleans Police. When they finally arrived a few hours after the gangbang was over, they took a few notes, and left, bored. Another night, another horrifying display of what goes on in places like the Lower 9th as often as the sun rising in the East...they couldn't have cared less. Problem was, the baby gangsters also noticed the arrival of the copcars after the night's fun had wound down.
They promptly shot up my friend's house with the unmitigated ferocity for which their people are legendary round the globe, that very night. She wisely moved right the hell out of that place the very next day.
I could fill your comments section with similar anecdotes from a couple dozen of my friends who also foolishly attempted to live in the slums of New Orleans. Now, not everyone scares so easily. Some people near and dear to me clung to that place for ages...it is after all very romantic, beautiful and extremely important in the annals of American History...and there was even a hint of glee in their voices as they related one horrific tale after the next of daily life in that sewer.
One guy, a big strapping lad stupidly and needlessly in the ground several years now from a junk OD, would talk about how he eventually learned to ride straight up to his front door on his bike, with a loaded revolver in one hand and his keys in the other. Get the door open, yank the bike inside, and slam the door before he had to defend himself with that piece against a dozen vicious young men filled to the brim with racial hatred for non-Blacks. Every evening, for months and years.
Not everyone I've known who has lived there has been so lucky. And, post-Katrina, those old networks of murderous sociopaths have gradually returned to town and set up shop once again. I heard one story about how some folks were walking along Rampart or something not too long ago, and suddenly this dude popped out of the shadows with a knife, and grabbed one of the girls, holding it to her throat. Apparently, someone hauled out a .45 and promptly blew the head right off of that hunk of human garbage, then and there, and they just left that corner, the girl's throat intact. No cops, and no need for cops either. What, like the New Orleans po-po are gonna care about some inconsequential thing like that ? That place averages about a murder a day during a quiet year. One less subhuman thug robbing the citizenry. Where 'yat, right ?
Anyone want to wager on how many thorough New Orleans beat-downs it takes before Little Lord Davis starts to re-evaluate his opinions on both the right of law-abiding American citizens to armed self-defense, and the state of race relations in this country ?
Three ? Five ? Ten ?
72
Not happy! Not happy! I read you before I ready ANYBODY when it comes to the Romper Room on SW 4th.
I'd wish you luck in NOLA but you seem to be making your own so PFUI! Leaving just when we need you the most! The nerve! I'm just gonna be depressed about this!
You better train your replacement up right. We expect better!
I'd wish you luck in NOLA but you seem to be making your own so PFUI! Leaving just when we need you the most! The nerve! I'm just gonna be depressed about this!
You better train your replacement up right. We expect better!
73
The further east and south you go the worse it gets. My GF is from Baltimore, and she said for her 1st yr here whenever she heard firecrackers or a car backfire she ducked.
Oh and the humidity......
Oh and the humidity......
74
Your work was a bit hysterical at times, but on the whole, good work Davis.
As you move to my homeland, allow me to offer a small piece of Southern advice:
You gotta give the rabbit somewhere to run ...
All the best in NOLA!
As you move to my homeland, allow me to offer a small piece of Southern advice:
You gotta give the rabbit somewhere to run ...
All the best in NOLA!
75
"why it'd be mad to move to Louisiana right now"
Because the politicians are more honest.
ANy chance you can take Amy Ruiz with you?
Because the politicians are more honest.
ANy chance you can take Amy Ruiz with you?
77
Well....looks like dirty old ex said it all. I was going to advise Matt that he try to live in the best possible digs he can find, located as close as physically possible, to the Tulane trauma ward.
Just the pictures he could take of the stream of ambulances dripping blood pulling into the trauma bay would keep Portlanders rivetted to his blog.
Just the pictures he could take of the stream of ambulances dripping blood pulling into the trauma bay would keep Portlanders rivetted to his blog.
78
Portland for Louisiana and the most corrupt city in the US of A?
They shoot people down there ya know?
Ya must have lost yer mind man!
They shoot people down there ya know?
Ya must have lost yer mind man!
82
I'm sad to see Matt go but I'm interested in how he takes on Nola. The Mercury keeps on taking bigger and bigger hits, what with their pop culture section all but trash now (Ezra, and Erik excluded), one (semi-)legitimate news writer (Smirk), and a foodie who should, by all means, be making far much more money and glory at a larger publication where he would belong. I could care less for the rest of the staff, and losing one of the few journalists at this place that I enjoyed reading because among other things his ability to start shit and keep it going well, frankly, sucks.
Best of luck to you, Mr. Davis.
Best of luck to you, Mr. Davis.
84
Matt! I'm going to miss you so much, but i promise to come visit you guys in N.O. Portland will NOT be the same without you.
85
Shedding a tear mate. Your voice has been music to me ears.
Sad day in P-town. Good Luck Chap. Be watchin' from a far.
Sad day in P-town. Good Luck Chap. Be watchin' from a far.
86
Fuck the haters, Matt. i guarantee none of em has the fucking balls to do what yr doing. NOLA is a fascinating place with fascinating people--warts and all. Evolve. Life isn't what's on your fucking t-shirt, yr crappy art piece or what yr singing about in your crappy folk band. It isn't about fairies and woods and magic. It's about making a fucking living, a life and a difference. Rotsa Ruck, MD. I'm not far behind you.
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